Newshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news
enBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island otorga un donativo para salud comunitaria a Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic https://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-otorga-un-donativo-para-salud
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">El donativo de BlueAngel es de $30,000 para crear el programa Niños Activos y Sanos </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) está otorgando una de seis donativos de BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) 2015, para llevar un programa de prevención de la obesidad, fundamentado en datos, a los niños y padres de familia que son atendidos por la Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC) en Providence. El programa Niños Activos y Sanos se centrará en mejorar la nutrición, actividad física y prácticas de crianza para ayudar a familias de bajos ingresos a tener vidas saludables. En el programa participarán entre 50 y 60 personas inscritas anualmente.</p>
<p>Niños Activos y Sanos es el segundo programa de CEHC de intervención en el estilo de vida, pero es el primero centrado en las familias. Mediante la colaboración con los padres y niños, el programa busca mejorar los hábitos de infestación y actividad física de las familias, y reducir el tiempo que estas pasan frente a una pantalla de computadora o televisor. El programa estará bajo el cargo de educadores entre pares, conocidos como “navegantes”, quienes, colaborando entre sí, conducirán sesiones de ocho semanas basándose en el programa de nutrición Niños Sanos Familias Sanas de CEHC que ha sido probado con éxito.</p>
<p>Los costos de la obesidad infantil son reales: si el índice de masa corporal promedio en Rhode Island se redujera en un cinco por ciento, podría significar ahorros en atención médica de más de 850 millones de dólares en 10 años y de 2 mil millones de dólares en 20 años. Organizaciones sin fines de lucro y partes implicadas en atención médica están colaborando para crear entornos más sanos para los niños de Rhode Island y, de ese modo, tratar de disminuir el impacto de la epidemia de obesidad. En su segundo año consecutivo, el programa BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) se enfocará en este asunto de importancia fundamental. Este año van a otorgarse seis donativos nuevos y tres donativos de transición, totalizando en $319,000 a beneficiarios de BACHG 2014.</p>
<p>“Continuamos sintiéndonos muy orgullosos del impacto que organizaciones comunitarias logran hacer con el apoyo de los donativos de BlueAngel”, dijo Michele Lederberg, vice presidenta ejecutiva y asesora general de BCBSRI. “El programa Niños Activos y Sanos provee el tipo de involucramiento familiar pleno necesario para combatir la obesidad infantil. Nos enorgullecemos de contribuir al desarrollo de este programa y fortalecer aún más nuestra relación con CEHC”.</p>
<p>CEHC brinda atención médica gratuita y de alta calidad a residentes adultos de Rhode Island que no tienen seguro. La clínica de CEHC en Providence ofrece atención respetuosa de las diferencias culturales y personalizada, que es totalmente proporcionada por voluntarios. CEHC provee atención médica primaria continua a casi 1500 pacientes inscritos, y atiende a miles más mediante su clínica ambulatoria, exámenes médicos de detección y programas de educación sobre la salud.</p>
<p>El programa BACHG otorga donativos a organizaciones locales que enseñan y apoyan hábitos sanos tales como alimentarse mejor y tener mayor actividad física. BCBSRI acepta y estudia propuestas para el programa BACHG una vez por año. Cada carta de intención que se recibe, se estudia para determinar que se cumple con los requisitos y con las prioridades para financiación. Los beneficiados con el donativo fueron notificados en diciembre de 2014, y empezaron a recibir los fondos en enero de 2015.</p>
<p><strong>Información acerca del programa BACHG:</strong> <em>El programa BACHG inició en 2002 y ha mejorado las vidas de más de 240 000 personas en el Estado. El programa es un componente clave de la visión de BCBSRI de mejorar la calidad de vida de los residentes de Rhode Island a través de mejorar la calidad de los servicios médicos y de ampliar el acceso a ellos. Las subvenciones otorgadas por BACHG son posibles gracias al fondo para salud comunitaria Community Health Fund de BCBSRI, que es un fondo de The Rhode Island Foundation de donantes corporativos asesorado.</em> <strong>Información acerca de BCBSRI:</strong> <em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island es la aseguradora médica líder en el Estado, que ofrece cobertura a más de 550 000 miembros. La compañía es un concesionario independiente de Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Para obtener más información, visite </em><em><u><a href="http://www.bcbsri.com">www.bcbsri.com</a></u></em><em>, síganos en Twitter</em> <em><u>@BCBSRI</u></em><em> y agréguenos en Facebook <u>fb.com/bcbsrhodeisland</u>.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 01:50:09 +0000BCBSRI6386 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to Partnership for Providence Parkshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awards-2015-community-health-grant-4
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$36,000 BlueAngel grant to help Providence youth stay healthy during summer months </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to the Partnership for Providence Parks’ <em>Providence PlayCorps</em> program, which utilizes parks across the capital city to provide young people in low-income neighborhoods with free play, creative exploration and nutritious meals over summer breaks. The PlayCorps program is managed through a collaboration between the Partnership for Providence Parks, the City of Providence’s Healthy Community Office, the Department of Parks &amp; Recreation, and the Providence Children’s Museum. More than 1,000 youth are expected to participate in this summer’s program.</p>
<p>The PlayCorps program is built on the idea that play is an effective way to build healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy neighborhoods. The program increases youth access to physical activities, improving overall park safety and positive behaviors, while providing adult role models for participating youth. The program also fills a critical nutrition need: 90 percent of Providence Public Schools students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and PlayCorps ensures students have access to free healthy meals during summer months when school is out. Healthy food and physical activity are two critical components in preventing childhood obesity.</p>
<p>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants totaling $319,000 will be awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients.</p>
<p>“We continue to be very proud of the impact local community organizations have made through the support of BACHG,” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “PlayCorps is a successful partnership working to solve the problem of students losing access to physical activity and healthy meals over summer months. We are proud to support PlayCorps in helping to ensure young people stay active and well-fed even when they’re not in school.”</p>
<p>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding to begin in January 2015.</p>
<p>The Partnership for Providence Parks was established in 2012 to bring together the Parks Department and Friends Groups throughout the city of Providence with the businesses, non-profits and schools who understand the value of flourishing green spaces in the community.</p>
<p><strong>About the BACHG Program</strong></p>
<p><em>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 240,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.</em></p>
<p><strong>About BCBSRI</strong></p>
<p><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit </em><a href="http://www.bcbsri.com/"><em>www.bcbsri.com</em></a><em>, follow us on Twitter </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bcbsri"><em>@BCBSRI</em></a><em>, and like us on Facebook at </em><a href="http://www.fb.com/bcbsri"><em>fb.com/bcbsri</em></a><em>.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Wed, 25 Feb 2015 01:18:14 +0000BCBSRI6381 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinichttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awards-2015-community-health-grant-3
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$30,000 BlueAngel grant to create Healthy Active Children program</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div> Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to bring an evidence-based obesity prevention program to the children and parents served by Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC) in Providence. The Healthy Active Children program (Niño’s Activos y Sanos) will focus on improving nutrition, physical activity and parenting practices to help low-income families lead healthy lives. The program will enroll 50 to 60 participants each year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Healthy Active Children is CEHC’s second lifestyle intervention program, but it is the first one to focus on families. Working with both parents and children, the program aims to improve families’ dietary intake, physical activity and screen time habits. The program will be run by peer-educators (known as navegantes), who, working together, will lead eight-week sessions based on CEHC’s pilot-tested Healthy Children Healthy Families nutrition curriculum.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the obesity epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants totaling $319,000 will be awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> “We continue to be very proud of the impact community organizations are able to make through the support of BlueAngel grants,” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “The Healthy Active Children program provides the kind of full family engagement needed to fight childhood obesity. We are proud to help the development of this program, and to further strengthen our partnership with CEHC.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CEHC provides free, high quality medical care to uninsured adults living in Rhode Island. The CEHC clinic in Providence offers culturally sensitive, personalized care—all provided by volunteers. CEHC provides continuous primary care to almost 1,500 enrolled patients and serves thousands more through its walk in clinic, health screens and health education programs.</div>
<div>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding to begin in January 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><em>About the BACHG Program</em></strong></div>
<div><em>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 240,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><em>About </em><em style="line-height: 1.538em;">Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island </em></strong></div>
<div><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bcbsri.com">www.bcbsri.com</a>, follow us on Twitter @BCBSRI, and like us on Facebook at fb.com/bcbsrhodeisland.</em></div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Thu, 19 Feb 2015 20:01:17 +0000BCBSRI6331 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Invite Businesses to Apply for 21st Annual Worksite Health Awardshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-and-greater-providence-chamber
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) announced that the call for applications for the <a href="https://www.bcbsri.com/WorksiteHealth">21stAnnual Worksite Health Awards</a>, which recognize Rhode Island companies with successful workplace wellness programs, is open now through Friday, March 13.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>BCBSRI’s Wellness Works™ program is a proud Presenting Sponsor of these awards, in partnership with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC). All Rhode Island companies are eligible, including small (100 or fewer employees) and large (over 100 employees) businesses, and applicants must demonstrate exceptional health and wellness programs and health-oriented workplace policies. Winning companies will be honored at a ceremony on June 4 and profiled in a special section of Rhode Island Monthly magazine.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“A healthy workforce is essential to advancing the mission of any organization,” said Melissa Cummings, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, BCBSRI. “The Worksite Health Awards are an opportunity for employers across the state to be recognized for their commitment to wellness in the workplace. From exercise to diet to stress reduction, investing in the well-being of employees returns tremendous benefits – not only to employees themselves, but toward a company’s success overall.” </div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Keeping your employees healthy can have a positive impact on morale, retention, and your bottom line. If your company successfully promotes worksite wellness—improving the health of your employees and your business—we want to recognize you for it,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In 2014, over 70 local companies received Worksite Health Awards. All Rhode Island businesses are eligible to apply for Worksite Health Awards, which are awarded annually. Winners are selected based on the scale and impact of their health and wellness programs and health-oriented workplace policies after submitting proof of those programs. </div>
<div>Interested businesses can find more detail and apply online at <a href="https://www.bcbsri.com/WorksiteHealth">BCBSRI.com/WorksiteHealth</a>.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><em><strong>About Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island</strong></em></div>
<div><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bcbsri.com">www.bcbsri.com</a>, follow us on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bcbsri">@BCBSRI</a>, and like us on Facebook at <a href="http://www.fb.com/bcbsri">fb.com/bcbsri</a>.</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div><em><strong>About the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce</strong></em></div>
<div><em>The mission of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce is to foster the development of a positive and productive business climate for our community through economic development, business-to-business relationship building and effective public policies and government. For more information visit<a href="http://www.providencechamber.com">www.providencechamber.com</a> or follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Provchamber">@provchamber</a>.</em></div>
<div> </div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/brokers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brokers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/providers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Providers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/audience/small-employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Small Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/audience/large-employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Large Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/audience/broker" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Broker</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/audience/provider" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Provider</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-6"><a href="/audience/supplier" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Supplier</a></li></ul></div>Tue, 17 Feb 2015 21:15:31 +0000BCBSRI6311 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to Crossroads - YMCA Collaborationhttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awards-2015-community-health-grant-2
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$38,000 BlueAngel grant to help combat obesity among homeless children and teens</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) toward developing a collaboration between Crossroads Rhode Island and the YMCA Greater Providence and West Bay branches. The $38,000 grant will provide yearlong exercise and nutrition programming to homeless children at the Crossroads Providence Family Shelter, and also to youth residents at the Kingstown Crossings complex. Approximately 300 children and 200 parents will participate.</p>
<p>The Crossroads-YMCA partnership aims to reduce childhood and adolescent obesity by educating these youth and their parents about nutrition and healthy food choices and wellness, while also improving confidence and body image. The program will focus on collaborative activities and offer additional age-appropriate exercise sessions, using XBOX exercise games, field trips to indoor exercise areas and/or parks, and special health-focused activities that promote physical activity and good nutrition. The program’s long-term goals include improving health during the developmental years as well as reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues, such as type II diabetes, to ultimately help reduce healthcare spending.</p>
<p>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants totaling $319,000 will be awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients.</p>
<p>“The BACHG program continues to make a positive impact in communities around the state,” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “The partnership between Crossroads Rhode Island and the YMCA is an example of the kind of collaboration and shared commitment to wellness that makes a real difference in the lives of Rhode Islanders. We are very proud to support this program’s development.”</p>
<p>The mission of Crossroads Rhode Island is to help homeless or at-risk individuals and families secure stable homes. Those we serve achieve this by engaging in our range of services including housing, basic needs, shelter, case management, referrals, and education and employment services.</p>
<p>The YMCA is an association of people of all ages, ethnic origins, religious affiliations and socio-economic levels that works to significantly improve and positively influence the quality of life and social well-being for its members, their families and the community.</p>
<p>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding to begin in January 2015.</p>
<p><strong>About the BACHG Program</strong></p>
<p><em>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 240,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.</em></p>
<p><strong>About BCBSRI</strong></p>
<p><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit </em><a href="http://www.bcbsri.com/"><em>www.bcbsri.com</em></a><em>, follow us on Twitter </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bcbsri"><em>@BCBSRI</em></a><em>, and like us on Facebook at </em><a href="http://www.fb.com/bcbsri"><em>fb.com/bcbsri</em></a><em>.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Thu, 12 Feb 2015 19:14:48 +0000BCBSRI6286 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to Education in Action for Young Star ACTIVE-istshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awards-2015-community-health-grant-1
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$15,000 BlueAngel grant will teach youth to develop health and wellness solutions</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to Education in Action for their Young Star ACTIVE-ists, an enhancement to their Young Star Entrepreneurs program, that will educate local middle school students about nutrition and obesity issues, and teach them how to create solutions for the health and wellness challenges facing their peers. The program is part of the afterschool programming offered by Education in Action, and will include youth from the Cranston, Pawtucket, Central Falls and West Warwick communities.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Young Star ACTIVE-ists is unique in its focus on teaching entrepreneurship and advocacy skills to empower youth to develop their own solutions to health issues in their communities. During the 11-week session, students will tackle challenges around nutrition and obesity through three phases: research, learning, and solution. Once participants identify their solutions, they will build business plans around their ideas that include budgets, marketing plans, and materials. Through a culmination event, students will have the opportunity to present their ideas and business plans to an audience. </div>
<div>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants totaling $319,000 will be awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“BCBSRI is proud to support through its BACHG community organizations that have made a real impact in Rhode Island,” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “The Young Star ACTIVE-ists program engages the next generation in critical health issues, while also giving them the confidence that they have the power and ideas to solve problems in their communities. We’re proud to play a part in helping great programs, like this one, come to life.”</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Education in Action was founded in 2008 and has served nearly 14,000 greater Rhode Island youth. Its mission is to provide hands-on learning opportunities that educate and inspire youth for real-world success. Education in Action provides a state-of-the-art educational facility where students can truly experience the joy of learning.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding to begin in January 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>About the BACHG Program</strong></div>
<div>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 244,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>About BCBSRI</strong></div>
<div>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bcbsri.com">www.bcbsri.com</a>, follow us on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/bcbsri">@BCBSRI</a>, and like us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BCBSRI">fb.com/bcbsbri</a>.</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:21:59 +0000BCBSRI6281 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to Build YMCA-Pediatrician Partnershiphttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awards-2015-community-health-grant
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$20,000 BlueAngel grant will continue Newport program &quot;Prescribe the Y” to children</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to continue a recently piloted partnership between the Newport County YMCA, the pediatricians at Aquidneck Medical Associates and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Pediatricians will “prescribe the Y” to 36 local children who have a body mass index (BMI) of 85 percent or higher—an indicator of childhood obesity.</p>
<p>Used in other states throughout the country, <em>Prescribe the Y</em> is a renowned comprehensive physical fitness and nutrition education program aimed at improving youth health outcomes by developing a love for exercise and an understanding of nutrition habits. The Newport program will enroll children based on pediatrician referral and monitoring and will meet twice per week for 12 weeks with exercise led by a certified personal trainer involving games and Y equipment. The program will also include two family dinners per session at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center to involve parents in nutrition education. Upon graduation from <em>Prescribe the Y</em>, participants and their families will receive free, one-year memberships to the YMCA.</p>
<p>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants totaling $319,000 will be awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients.</p>
<p>“We believe the BACHG program has become a real force for advancing local efforts to build healthier communities across Rhode Island.” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “The partnership between the Newport County YMCA and local pediatricians is exactly the kind of cross-sector collaboration we need to solve the child obesity epidemic, and BCBSRI is committed to continuing to do our part to help these kinds of partnerships grow.”</p>
<p>The Newport County YMCA has been serving Newport County since 1978. The Newport County YMCA is an association of people of all ages, ethnic origins, religious affiliations and socio-economic levels that works to significantly improve and positively influence the quality of life and social well-being for its members, their families and the community.</p>
<p>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding to begin in January 2015.</p>
<p><strong>About the BACHG Program</strong></p>
<p><em>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 244,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of The Rhode Island Foundation.</em></p>
<p><strong>About BCBSRI</strong></p>
<p><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit </em><a href="file:///C:/Users/xk3ptso/AppData/Local/Temp/notesC9812B/www.bcbsri.com"><em>www.bcbsri.com</em></a><em>, follow us on Twitter </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/bcbsri"><em>@BCBSRI</em></a><em>, and like us on Facebook at </em><a href="http://www.fb.com/bcbsri"><em>fb.com/bcbsri</em></a><em>.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:52:17 +0000BCBSRI6246 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awards 2015 Community Health Grant to McAuley Ministrieshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-award-2015-community-health-grant
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">$30,000 BlueAngel grant will fund programming for homeless mothers and children in Rhode Island</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2015 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to McAuley Ministries. McAuley Ministries will be awarded $30,000 to begin their new Get Fit McAuley! program. Through nutrition education, cooking instruction, and greater access to physical activity, Get Fit McAuley! will encourage healthier lifestyles for formerly homeless mothers and their children living in McAuley Village, as well as Head Start youth in the McAuley Village Child Care Learning Center. Currently, eight in ten preschool-aged children either living at McAuley Village or enrolled in the Village’s childcare program are considered obese.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Through targeting children of parents who are also at increased risk of obesity, this program aims to diminish the risk of inter-generational obesity and associated health issues. McAuley Village will collaborate with Rhode Island College (RIC) to design a fitness program that involves RIC athletes as inspiration. The collaboration also, includes access to athletic facilities for program participants. Mary Flynn, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Brown University, research dietician at The Miriam Hospital, and creator of the Raising the Bar on Nutrition program and the Healing Foods initiative at McAuley House, will help lead nutrition classes for the program.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The costs of childhood obesity are real: if the average body mass index in Rhode Island was reduced by five percent it could lead to health care savings of more than $850 million in 10 years and $2 billion in 20 years. Healthcare stakeholders and nonprofits are working together to create healthier environments for Rhode Island’s children in an effort to reduce the impact of the epidemic. For the second year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and three transitional grants, awarded to 2014 BACHG recipients, will be given totaling $319,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Over the last decade, the BACHG program has become a real force for advancing local efforts to build healthier communities across Rhode Island.” said Michele Lederberg, chief administrative officer and general counsel for BCBSRI. “It’s a privilege to support local non-profits like McAuley Ministries whose hard work is changing the lives of kids and their moms in our community, and to help shine a light on their efforts.” </div>
<div> </div>
<div>McAuley Ministries is an independent non-profit organization sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community. The Ministry works to provide basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, health services, emotional support and guidance to the most vulnerable in the community through the core values of hospitality, compassion and dignity.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in December 2014 with funding beginning in January 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>About the BACHG Program</strong></div>
<div><em>The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and has touched the lives of more than 240,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund at The Rhode Island Foundation.</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>About BCBSRI</strong></div>
<div><em>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 550,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bcbsri.com">www.bcbsri.com</a>, follow us on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bcbsri">@BCBSRI</a>, and like us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BCBSRI">fb.com/bcbsri</a>.</em></div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/community" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Community</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/csr" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CSR</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li></ul></div>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:09:35 +0000BCBSRI6241 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Awarded Perfect Score in 2015 Corporate Equality Index https://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-awarded-perfect-score-2015-corporate
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Score of 100 percent reflects company-wide commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) received a score of 100 percent on the <a href="http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/files/assets/resources/CEI-2015.pdf#__utma=149406063.1206552519.1416613979.1416613979.1416613979.1&amp;__utmb=149406063.1.10.1416613979&amp;__utmc=149406063&amp;__utmx=-&amp;__utmz=149406063.1416613979.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&amp;__utmv=-&amp;__utmk=192387370">2015 Corporate Equality Index</a> (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. BCBSRI is one of only two Rhode Island companies to receive a perfect score, a reflection of its commitment to LGBT workplace equality with respect to tangible policies, benefits, and practices.</p>
<p>BCBSRI was recognized for its workplace practices including a non-discrimination policy, an Executive performance appraisal model containing a diversity &amp; inclusion component, and offering health coverage for spouses and domestic partners, as well as gender reassignment surgery. Active in the community, BCBSRI also provides philanthropic support to local LGBT nonprofit organizations.</p>
<p>“As a company, one of Blue Cross’ priorities is building and maintaining a diverse workforce. Creating an environment that is rich with multiple perspectives and ideas enables us to relate to the diverse populations we serve,” said Visael (Bobby) Rodriguez, Vice President of Organization Development and Chief Diversity Officer at BCBSRI. “We are proud to have improved our score from 90 percent last year to 100 percent; this progress reflects our continued commitment to an inclusive workplace.”</p>
<p>The 2015 CEI rated 781 corporations and evaluates LGBT-related policies and best practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. BCBSRI’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria resulted in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.<br /> <br />For more information on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit <a href="http://www.hrc.org/cei">www.hrc.org/cei</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/about-us" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">About Us</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/achievements" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Achievements</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/awards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Awards</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/careers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Careers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/corporate" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Corporate</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/diversity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Diversity</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-6"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/leadership" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Leadership</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/audience/small-employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Small Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/audience/large-employers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Large Employers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/audience/provider" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Provider</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-5"><a href="/audience/supplier" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Supplier</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.bcbsri.com/sites/default/files/best-places-to-work-2015CEI.jpg" width="346" height="225" alt="" /></div></div></div>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:34:37 +0000BCBSRI5601 at https://www.bcbsri.comBlue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Expands Customer Service Hours, Adds Drop-Off Locations for BlueCHiP for Medicare Applicationshttps://www.bcbsri.com/about-us/news-events/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-rhode-island-expands-customer-service-hours-adds
<div class="field field-name-field-summary field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Medicare enrollment ends in six days, representatives are available to answer questions in person and by phone </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Blue Cross &amp; Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) will expand its customer service offerings to provide extended support for customers as the Medicare enrollment deadline approaches. BCBSRI will also offer additional locations for customers to drop off their Medicare Advantage enrollment applications in-person before the December 7 deadline.</p>
<p>BCBSRI staff can answer questions about plan options, costs, physician networks and wellness benefits, as well as help individuals sign up for coverage. The BlueCHiP for Medicare Concierge Team is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1-800-505-BLUE (2583); TTY/TDD 711.</p>
<p>The Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ends on December 7. All Medicare Advantage applications and plan change forms for AEP must be received by BCBSRI by December 7. Given these timing considerations, BCBSRI representatives will be available to assist and collect Medicare applications at the following locations before the end of AEP:</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 5, </strong>7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Lincoln YMCA, 32 Breakneck Hill Rd., Lincoln</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 6, </strong>9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Comfort Inn, 2 George Street, Pawtucket</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 6, </strong>9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Holiday Inn‐South Kingstown, 3009 Tower Hill Road, South Kingstown</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 6, </strong>9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Hayden Center, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 7, </strong>10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Knights of Columbus, 1675 Douglas Ave., North Providence</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 7, </strong>9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Chianti's Italian Restaurant, 195 Forge Road, East Greenwich</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;"><strong>December 7, </strong>9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Davenport’s, 1925 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence</p>
<p>For in-person support for choosing a plan, Rhode Islanders can visit the following locations:</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">· BCBSRI Customer Service walk-in area at 500 Exchange Street in downtown Providence. <em>Hours:</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 3, </strong>8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 4, </strong>8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 5, </strong>8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 6, </strong>9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 7, </strong>9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:.5in;">· <a href="https://www.bcbsri.com/yourbluestore">Your Blue Store Warwick</a>, BCBSRI’s retail location, at 300 Quaker Lane, Warwick and <a href="https://www.bcbsri.com/yourbluestore">Your Blue Store Bristol</a>, BCBSRI’s new retail location, in the Bell Tower Plaza, Unit 18, 576 Metacom Avenue, Bristol. <em>Hours:</em></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 3, </strong>9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 4, </strong>9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 5, </strong>9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 6, </strong>9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.</p>
<p style="margin-left:1.0in;">o <strong>December 7, </strong>9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Note: On Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, Your Blue Stores in Warwick and Bristol will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until the last person is helped, as Dec. 7 is the final day of Medicare Advantage open enrollment.</strong></p>
<p>For additional information about BCBSRI’s Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug plans, visit <a href="http://www.bcbsri.com/seniorinfo">bcbsri.com/seniorinfo</a>. </p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">News Topic: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/brokers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brokers</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/shop-for-plan" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Shop for a plan</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/about-us/news-events/news/browse-topic/products-services" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Products &amp; Services</a></li></ul></div><div class="field field-name-field-audience field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Audience: </h3><ul class="links"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0"><a href="/audience/individuals" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Individuals</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1"><a href="/audience/families" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Families</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2"><a href="/audience/broker" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Broker</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-3"><a href="/audience/general-public" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">General Public</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-4"><a href="/audience/medicare" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Medicare</a></li></ul></div>Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:34:34 +0000BCBSRI5591 at https://www.bcbsri.com